‘It was terrifying’ – David Warner recalls his IPL 2021 campaign in COVID-ravaged India

The last few weeks haven’t been pleasant for many Australian cricketers. Following the abrupt suspension of the Indian Premier League (IPL) due to the COVID-19 crisis, the Aussie participants in the tournament had to fly to the Maldives due to the travel ban imposed by the Australian government. They eventually landed in Australia on May 17 and reunited with their families only after serving the mandatory quarantine.

Dashing opener David Warner also participated in IPL 2021, and his experience was ‘terrifying.’ Warner, who plays for Sunrisers Hyderabad, reunited with his wife and children on Monday (May 31) after being released from two weeks of hotel quarantine in Sydney. Speaking of his time in India, the southpaw recalled the tragic scenes he witnessed in the COVID-ravaged nation during IPL 2021.

It was just really upsetting from a humanitarian point of view: David Warner

“I think it really hit home when everyone saw that piece on the TV about what was happening in India with the oxygen. You know, people on the streets lining up to cremate their family members and we did see that a couple of times going to and from the grounds. Open fields and stuff. You know, it was terrifying. And it was just really upsetting from a humanitarian point of view,” Warner told Nova’s Fitzy & Wippa.

Talking about IPL suspension, the veteran batsman opined that the right decision was made. However, he also mentioned that the overseas players had to get out of India after the situation became more challenging.

“It was challenging. We had to get out of there ASAP. We were there (in the Maldives) with other people, and they were there for the same reasons — getting out of India, trying to get to their countries as well because pretty much everyone was locked out of their country who had been into India,” he asserted.

Meanwhile, Warner is currently enjoying family time at home. However, he also must have an eye on Australia’s tour of the West Indies next month. The 34-year-old has been added to Australia’s 23-man preliminary squad, and many eyes will be on him.

The Caribbean tour comprises five T20Is and three ODIs, starting from July 9. Hence, it’s an excellent opportunity for the Men in Yellow to try different players and identify their best combination for ICC T20 World Cup 2021.